Mixed news for Hodgson

But Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew is optimistic Wilkinson will be fit to face Gloucester on 7 February.

"We are pretty hopeful that he has a chance of playing subject to there being no major setback," he said.

That would give Wilkinson a chance to prove his fitness before England open their Six Nations campaign in Italy.

The World Cup hero had hoped to return in Newcastle's Parker Pen Challenge Cup match against Montferrand last Sunday.

But earlier this week he said: "I have not set a date for my return. I am going day by day."

If his shoulder has recovered sufficently, Wilkinson will only have the Gloucester game to hone his match fitness before England's match in Rome on 15 February.

It's taking me some time to get the strength back Jonny Wilkinson

Newcastle's failure to progress in Europe has left them with two blank weekends.

"His injury is progressing and another couple of weeks won't do any harm to his progress," Andrew added.

Wilkinson was forced off prematurely on his return to club action for Newcastle on 28 December against Northampton.

Wilko's shoulder problems explained

Although he has suffered no long-term shoulder damage, he admits the latest problem is more severe than the 'stingers' that have afflicted him throughout his career.

Against Italy, Grayson could do a decent job, as could King From Tim Hague Have your say on Scrum V

"I had the stinger symptons but they were slightly more severe, longer lasting, more painful and they spread to more areas," he added.

"It's given me some distress down my right side, it's just weak and it's taking me some time to get the strength back."

England's fly-half resources could be stretched with Wilkinson's likely stand-in Charlie Hodgson also out for the next fortnight with knee cartilage damage.

England's casualty list

With Mike Catt also on the injured list, Northampton's Paul Grayson, Wasps' Alex King and Olly Barkley of Bath could come into contention for the Six Nations opener.

Scrum-half Matt Dawson is also a doubt after suffering a shoulder injury.